Journal

Copyright vs. Outright Ownership

by Robert J. Pennington

The rule of ownership is actually very simple. You only have the right to use material if you have paid for it or have written permission from the owner to use it. You may NOT download an image from the Internet and use it in any way, shape, or form unless that image is specifically identified as public domain, free or you have obtained permission from the owner. Even then, you do not own the copyright. While it is possible to obtain full and unrestricted use of images for a fee, it is rare that a client has the resources to purchase a copyright or that an “author” is willing to sell that copyright. What rights you do access, must be in writing.

Filed under: Photography